The Vietnam War occurred between 1955-1975 (Australia only participated from 1962-1973) was a conflict between communist North Vietnam, supoorted by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The war was rooted in the Cold War, with ideological battles between communism and democracy.

The first involvement for Australia in 1962 was actioned by Prime Minister Robert Menzies who sent military advisors to South Vietnam, this was a strategy to contain the spread of communism within South-East Asia as it was believed that if Vietnam fell into communism that neighbouring countries may follow suit. In 1965 following the request for support from the South Vietnamese government, Australia stationed combat troops to Vietnam. The first Australian combat forces, the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) were deployed as part of a joint operation with U.S soldiers. By the end of the 1960s there was over 7,500 active Australian soldiers stationed in Vietnam.

Australian forces were mainly tasked with search and destroy, and counterinsurgency missions. One of the most significant engagement for Australian forces was the Battle of Long Tan 1966, where Australian soldiers were outnumbered and surrounded by Viet Cong forces but were able to hold out until reinforcements arrived. Australia also provided aid and financial assistance to South Vietnam through logistical support, training, and direct combat assistance.

By the 1970s, Australia began withdrawing its military presence by action of Prime Minister John Gorton, this was further accelerated after the election of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam who by 1973 had fully withdrawn all Australian forces by 1973 well before the fall of Saigon in 1975. Over the war effort 521 Australian soldiers lost their lives, citizens view of the participation in the Vietnam War varied greatly, the governments view was fulfilling its duties as an ally to the U.S however the public was far more critical leaving a deep impact on Australian society and politics.